Sweets Raise Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

A small Italian study reinforces the results of prior research on pancreatic cancer and diet. The investigators questioned 326 people with pancreatic cancer about their diet and lifestyle. Each patient was matched to two healthy adults who answered the same questions. The research team found that a third of the people, those who ate the most sugary foods, were 78 percent more likely than those in the lowest third to have pancreatic cancer. The worst offenders were sweet foods that raise blood sugar quickly, like jam, candy, honey and sugar. There was no link with diabetes or obesity. The absolute risk for any individual is still low, since pancreatic cancer is relatively rare. But together with earlier research showing a link between sugary drinks and pancreatic cancer, this study suggests that regular consumption of sweets may increase the risk of this rare but deadly disease.

[Annals of Epidemiology, June, 2010]